Morning Phil Up – 5/22/2014 – The misery continues for Kyle Kendrick

May 21, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) throws during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday’s Game

Marlins defeat Phillies 14-5

Brief Summary

Kyle Kendrick had a shaky start and the Phillies bullpen allowed the game to get out of hand. This was the tenth straight loss for Kendrick.

Emotional reaction immediately after the game

At least the relievers made it obvious early on that it wouldn’t be necessary to watch this one through to the end.

Less emotional reaction after thinking about it a bit

If the pitchers are going to be awful, I’d rather it all happen in one game. Maybe they got it out of their system?

Heroes

With the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth, Giancarlo Stanton made a diving catch that likely saved three runs, and probably changed the whole complexion of the game. Marcell Ozuna had five RBIs, including a grand slam.

Goats

Kyle Kendrick, Jeff Manship, and Luis Garcia were all pretty bad.

Today’s Game

Philadelphia Phillies (20-23) at Miami Marlins (24-23)

Cole Hamels. Image Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

TV: CSN

Game time: 12:40 PM

Starting pitchers: Cole Hamels (1-2) vs. Henderson Alvarez (2-3)

Preview

The rubber match in the series will be an afternoon game. Cole Hamels will attempt to win his second consecutive game after going winless in his first four starts of the season. He received a lot of run support in his last outing, which probably means the bats will be silent today. Hamels actually has a losing career record against the Marlins (9-12) although his ERA is pretty good (3.16). He has a 1.98 ERA in six career starts at Marlins Park.

He’ll be opposed by Henderson Alvarez. Alvarez struggled in his two most recent starts, but those were on the road. He’s pitched much better at home, and has already pitched two complete game shutouts at Marlins Park.

Link of Interest

CSN Philly – Maturing Biddle more equipped to minimize damage

Pitching prospect Jesse Biddle had added a new weapon to his arsenal this season: Maturity. In the past, when a start began to go wrong, Biddle would tend to let things snowball on him. On Tuesday night, even though things didn’t go perfectly for him, Biddle managed to hang in the game and give his team a chance to win.

Tweet of Importance

I am also a bit skeptical about the next time we see Cliff Lee on a pitching mound.